Frank Rondel
Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest scorer in a World Cup knockout match during Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Croatia. The 41-year-old captain converted a penalty and surpassed Pepe’s previous record, as reported by the customreceipt.com.
Portugal entered the Round of 32 after finishing second in Group K. Roberto Martínez again trusted Ronaldo to lead the attack in Toronto.
Croatia moved ahead through Ivan Perišić in the 53rd minute. Portugal responded after winning a penalty midway through the second half.
Cristiano Ronaldo Sets 2 World Cup Age Records
Ronaldo converted the penalty in the 68th minute. He was exactly 41 years and 147 days old.
The goal made him the oldest player to score in a World Cup knockout match. Pepe held the earlier record at 39 years and 283 days.
Pepe scored against Switzerland during Portugal’s 6-1 victory at the 2022 World Cup. Ronaldo improved that mark by more than 2 years.
The Portugal captain also became the oldest outfield player to appear in a World Cup knockout match. His performance extended a tournament career which began in 2006.
| Record | Player | Age | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oldest knockout scorer | Cristiano Ronaldo | 41 years, 147 days | Portugal vs Croatia, 2026 |
| Previous oldest scorer | Pepe | 39 years, 283 days | Portugal vs Switzerland, 2022 |
The penalty was also Ronaldo’s first World Cup knockout goal. It arrived with his 31st attempt during the elimination rounds.
Portugal Completes Comeback Against Croatia
Gonçalo Ramos replaced Ronaldo late in the match. The substitution proved decisive during added time.
Ramos scored Portugal’s winner in the 94th minute. His header completed the comeback and eliminated Croatia from the tournament.
The decisive moments were:
- Ivan Perišić opened the scoring in the 53rd minute.
- Ronaldo equalised from the penalty spot in the 68th minute.
- Ramos scored the winning goal during stoppage time.
Portugal’s victory carried Ronaldo into the Round of 16. It also increased his 2026 World Cup tally to 3 goals.
He had earlier scored twice during Portugal’s 5-0 group-stage victory over Uzbekistan.
Portugal Faces Spain in World Cup Round of 16
Portugal will next meet Spain, who defeated Austria 3-0. The Iberian rivals will play on Monday, July 6.
Kick-off is scheduled for 22:00 Kyiv time. The match offers Ronaldo another chance to extend his latest World Cup records.
At 41, Ronaldo is no longer Portugal’s most mobile attacker. However, his penalty showed why Martínez still trusts him in decisive moments.
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